Spousal Social Security: 7 Key Things to Know

Key Points Your spousal benefits may equal up to 50% of your spouse's monthly benefit. To be eligible for spousal benefits, your spouse must already receive retirement or disability benefits. Claiming spousal benefits before your full retirement age can permanently reduce what you receive by up to 30% The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › When one spouse earns significantly less than the other, the lower-earning spouse may be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits. However, before you decide it's time to make a claim, here are seven key things you should know. Image source: Getty Images. Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger.